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What is a TIA? What is a TIA? Lumen ventricle A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a brief episode in which neurologic deficits suddenly occur, but then disappear completely Most TIAs last a few minutes to an hour. No neurologic deficits remain once a TIA has ended, because little or no brain tissue is permanently damaged. A TIA is an indicator that the stage is set for an ischemic stroke. Treatment of patients with TIAs can significantly reduce their risk of having a stroke.

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Patients commonly describe a gray or black fog or a mist clouding vision in all or part of one eye. Attacks are typically brief (1-5 minutes), and afterwards vision is fully restored. TMB often signals the presence of severe ipsilateral carotid artery disease in older adults. TMB can also be caused by migraine. TMB (also known as amaurosis fugax) occurs when the retina becomes temporarily ischemic. TIAs: Carotid Territory Transient monocular blindness TIAs: Carotid Territory Transient monocular blindness

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Vertigo or dizziness Unilateral or bilateral weakness or clumsiness Unilateral or bilateral numbness or sensory loss Limb ataxia or coarse tremor, staggering gait Dysarthria Visual field defect, blindness, or diplopia Nystagmus (‘it jumps around when I look at it’) Problems typically produced TIAs: Vertebral-Basilar Various combinations may be present TIAs: Vertebral-Basilar Various combinations may be present

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Because the episode of impaired function is brief, patients may not tell you about it unless you ask. Seniors with somewhat impaired memory may simply not recall such brief events. TIAs in carotid territory predict severe atherosclerosis in the proximal internal carotid artery. Tests can determine actual blood flow in the carotid. The odds of stroke in the next 1-2 weeks are great! If severe narrowing is present, surgical and medical treatments can help to reduce stroke risk. Patients may ignore TIAs! Patients may ignore TIAs!